ESSENDON youngster Travis Colyer says the Bombers' upset four-point win over Geelong at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night shows the team is on the right track, despite some patchy form during the past two months.

James Hird's men had lost five straight games before they took on the Cats, but they dominated long periods of the game in a very impressive effort.

"It was just relief at the end," Colyer said.

"We've been improving and developing these last five weeks and we've learned a lot, although we've still got a long way to go.

"I think it's just shown the resilience we've got in our group, especially given what we've gone through in the last five weeks.

"It was a great performance by the guys."

Having begun the game in the green vest, Colyer was subbed on when Andrew Welsh strained his hamstring during the second quarter.

Colyer went on to collected 14 possessions and kick two goals, including a crucial snap in the nail-biting final term during which Geelong twice closed to within four points.

"You don't want to see your teammates go down, but to get a bit more of an opportunity and more of a run around was great," he said.

"Coming on in the second quarter, I obviously had a bit more run in my legs late in the game and I tried to use that to my advantage while also concentrating on my role in the side.

"It definitely boosted my confidence that I was able to hit the scoreboard a couple of times."

The Bombers led by 33 points mid-way through the third quarter, and the players were proud they didn't fold when Geelong stormed back into the contest.

"I suppose we got a little bit nervous," Colyer said. "There was probably a fair bit of pressure on the coaches at that stage as well.

"But we knew we had run in our legs and everyone was positive.

"It was fun to be out there and we were enjoying it, and when it came to the crunch we really stood up."